Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi: Which Airport Should You Fly From?

Georgia has three international airports — Tbilisi (TBS), Kutaisi (KUT) and Batumi (BUS) — and when searching for a ticket, the question of which one to fly from rarely comes up. In reality, each has a very different profile: different airlines, prices and route networks. This guide helps you decide where to start your trip.

✈️ Tbilisi Airport (TBS) — the widest choice

• The most direct routes — 30+ airlines, see the Tbilisi airport guide for details
• The only airport in Georgia with regular flights from full-service carriers (Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa)
• Fares are usually higher than the same route from Kutaisi
• 18 km from downtown — 30-40 minutes by taxi or bus

💸 Kutaisi Airport (KUT) — the low-cost hub

• Wizz Air's base in Georgia since 2016 — dozens of European routes at budget fares, see the Kutaisi airport guide for details
• Fares are often 30-50% cheaper than the same route from Tbilisi
• The drive from Tbilisi to Kutaisi takes about 3-3.5 hours (~220 km) by car or marshrutka
• The terminal is small — check-in and security move fast, with far shorter lines than at Tbilisi

🌊 Batumi Airport (BUS) — seasonal and seaside

• Mostly geared toward seasonal resort traffic — charter flights ramp up significantly in summer, see the Batumi airport guide for details
• Turkish Airlines runs a year-round scheduled route to Istanbul
• The drive from Tbilisi to Batumi takes about 5-5.5 hours (~370 km) — a domestic flight or train is a reasonable alternative for the longer trip
• Worth considering if your trip already starts or ends on the coast

🧮 How to choose

• Compare fares from all three airports on Travel365's price calendar — the difference can outweigh the cost of getting to the airport
• If time is limited, Tbilisi is the most convenient — one less leg of travel
• If budget is the priority and your dates are flexible, Kutaisi is often the best choice, especially for European routes
• Check the cheapest days to fly — sometimes a Tuesday from Tbilisi beats a Saturday from Kutaisi

Bottom line

The right choice depends on your route, budget and date flexibility. Many seasoned travelers check both airports before booking — an extra 30-40 minute drive often saves hundreds of dollars.